they were recommended

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they were recommended" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing suggestions or endorsements made by someone for a person or thing. Example: "After reviewing the candidates, it was clear that they were recommended for their exceptional skills and experience."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

We also categorised biomarkers according to whether they were recommended (class I or II recommendation) by leading guideline authorities 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 for use in the clinical setting where the meta-analysis pertained.

British Medical Journal

By the mid-1990s, they were recommended for all women of childbearing age.

Studies in History and Philosophy of Science Part C: Studies in History and Philosophy of Biological and Biomedical Sciences

"We chose them because they were recommended by government," a Calor Gas executive said.

The Guardian

I was not surprised that they were recommended to me based upon my knowledge.

The Washington Post

No restrictions on such promotions were in the government plan, even though they were recommended by Public Health England.

The Guardian

They were recommended by their party leaders, even though Democratic Party leaders were apparently shut out of the selection process for Democrats.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

They were recommending surgery and chemotherapy.

University of California, Berkeley

WILLIAM J. HOLSTEIN A. They were recommending junk.

The New York Times

Our leaders did not follow what they were recommending".

The New Yorker

They were recommending measures to better protect the systems, including video monitoring and filtration.

The New York Times

The messages appeared to catch the analysts exchanging negative views about companies whose stocks they were recommending to investors.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "they were recommended", ensure that the context clearly indicates who made the recommendation and why. Providing this information enhances the credibility and impact of the statement.

Common error

Avoid using "they were recommended" without specifying who did the recommending. This can leave the audience wondering about the source and validity of the recommendation. Always provide context, such as "they were recommended by the manager" or "they were recommended by a panel of experts."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they were recommended" functions as a passive construction indicating that a group or individuals received a positive endorsement or suggestion. Ludwig provides numerous examples where this phrase is used to convey that someone or something has been favorably suggested.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

34%

News & Media

52%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "they were recommended" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to indicate that someone or something has received a positive endorsement. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is widely employed across various contexts, including scientific publications, news articles, and academic papers. The phrase's neutral register makes it suitable for both formal and informal communication. To enhance clarity, it is best practice to specify the source of the recommendation. Common alternatives include "they came highly recommended" and "they were advised". Always ensure the context clearly identifies the recommender to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they came highly recommended

Emphasizes the strength of the recommendation, suggesting a high degree of approval.

they were advised

Focuses on the act of giving advice, which can imply a recommendation depending on the context.

they were suggested

A more neutral alternative, simply indicating that someone proposed them.

they received a recommendation

Highlights the fact that a formal recommendation was given.

they were endorsed

Indicates official approval or support, stronger than a simple recommendation.

they were prescribed

Suggests that something was officially ordered or recommended for use.

they were pointed towards

Indicates direction or guidance towards something, similar to a suggestion.

they were referred

Focuses on the act of being directed to someone or something, often by an authority.

they were handpicked

Emphasizes a careful and selective process of choosing someone.

they were selected

Focuses on the act of choosing someone, without necessarily implying recommendation.

FAQs

How can I use "they were recommended" in a sentence?

Use "they were recommended" to indicate that someone or something received a positive suggestion or endorsement. For example, "The candidates "they were recommended" by the hiring manager had extensive experience."

What are some alternatives to "they were recommended"?

Alternatives include "they were suggested", "they were advised", or "they came highly recommended", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it necessary to specify who made the recommendation when using "they were recommended"?

While not always grammatically required, specifying the source of the recommendation adds credibility and context. For example, saying "they were recommended by experts" is more informative than simply saying "they were recommended".

What is the difference between "they were recommended" and "they were required"?

"They were recommended" indicates a suggestion or endorsement, while "they were required" indicates a necessity or obligation. The former implies a positive suggestion, whereas the latter implies a mandatory action.